No Bake Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with creamy chocolate goodness, all without needing to turn on the oven. These bite-sized treats are easy to make, requiring only 15 minutes of prep time, and are perfect for any occasion. With a crunchy exterior and a smooth, creamy center, they are guaranteed to impress everyone who tries them!
Why You’ll Love These No Bake Pecan Pie Balls
These Pecan Pie Balls are the ultimate convenience treat. They take minimal time to prepare, with no baking required, and offer the perfect balance of crunch from the pecans and chocolate chips, with a creamy center from the cream cheese. They’re great for parties, potlucks, or a sweet snack at home. The graham cracker coating gives them a delicious, slightly sweet crunch that mimics the texture of pie crust, making them a fun, easy-to-eat twist on traditional pecan pie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Pecan Pie Balls:
-
1 cup finely chopped pecans
-
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
-
1 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
-
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (for rolling)
-
(Tip: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar depending on your preference.)
How to Make No Bake Pecan Pie Balls
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
-
Finely chop the pecans and place them in a large mixing bowl.
-
Add the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar to the bowl. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined.
2. Add the Flavors:
-
Stir in the vanilla extract and make sure it’s fully incorporated into the mixture.
3. Incorporate the Chocolate:
-
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Form the Balls:
-
Scoop out small portions of the mixture, about one inch in diameter, and roll them into balls using your hands.
5. Coat the Balls:
-
Roll each ball in graham cracker crumbs until it’s fully coated. This gives them the perfect finishing touch that mimics the crust of a pecan pie.
6. Chill:
-
Place the rolled pecan balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
-
Once chilled, your No Bake Pecan Pie Balls are ready to serve! Enjoy them as a sweet, bite-sized treat that’s sure to disappear quickly.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: About 24 servings
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: 0 minutes (No Bake!)
-
Total Time: 15 minutes (+ 30 minutes chilling time)
Variations
-
Add Spices: For a more festive flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture.
-
Substitute with Other Nuts: If you prefer a different nut, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
-
Coating Options: If you’re not a fan of graham cracker crumbs, you can use crushed cookies, cocoa powder, or shredded coconut for rolling the balls.
Storage and Reheating
-
Storage: Store the Pecan Pie Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. They stay fresh and firm when refrigerated.
-
Freezing: You can freeze these treats for up to 3 months. Place the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag for long-term storage. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these Pecan Pie Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them up to 2 days in advance and store them in the fridge. They actually get better as the flavors have more time to meld.
Can I make these without the chocolate chips?
Absolutely! If you prefer a more traditional pecan pie flavor, you can leave out the chocolate chips and just focus on the pecans and the creamy filling.
Can I use a different kind of sweetener instead of powdered sugar?
Yes, you can use other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute if you prefer. Just note that the texture may change slightly depending on the liquid content of the sweetener you use.
Can I make them without graham cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can roll the pecan balls in crushed cookies, coconut flakes, or even finely chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
These No Bake Pecan Pie Balls are the perfect sweet treat to satisfy your dessert cravings without any baking! With their creamy filling, rich pecan flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering or enjoying them as a quick snack, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress.
Print
No Bake Pecan Pie Balls – The Perfect Sweet Bite
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No Bake Pecan Pie Balls are a quick and easy dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with the creamy sweetness of cream cheese and chocolate. With no baking required, they’re perfect for last-minute treats and impressing guests at any occasion. Bite-sized and packed with flavor, they’re the ultimate indulgence for pecan lovers.
Ingredients
1 cup finely chopped pecans
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (for rolling)
Instructions
Prepare the Mixture:
Finely chop the pecans and combine them in a large bowl with softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Add Flavor:
Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
Add Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Form the Balls:
Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about one inch in diameter.
Coat the Balls:
Roll each ball in graham cracker crumbs until fully coated.
Chill:
Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Sweetness Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the powdered sugar based on your sweetness preference.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. These pecan pie balls are best enjoyed chilled.
Customization: If you prefer, you can also roll the balls in chopped pecans instead of graham cracker crumbs for an added texture boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
